Preparations for new season start, but host UST yet to name head coach

UST has yet to announce if Bong de la Cruz is being officially replaced. Dante Peralta

UAAP SEASON 78 has officially closed and preparations for the new campaign begin in earnest, but Season 79 host University of Sto. Tomas has yet to name its basketball head coach.

UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics secretary Gilda Camus declined to provide information to reporters about the coaching situation during the UAAP closing ceremony.

Camus simply noted that most of the UST coaches have expiring contracts.

“Wala pa kasi most of the coaches will end their term by May 31. Let’s just wait and see na lang for whatever announcement,” Camus said.

Bong de la Cruz is still officially the head coach of the squad, according to UST athletic director Fr. Ermito de Sagun a few months ago, but practices are being run by a staff that includes former UST Tiger Chris Cantonjos.

Despite the uncertainty, UST has been preparing for UAAP Season 79 in September, seeing action in the Got Skills preseason tournament.

Former UST and Ginebra stars Bal David and Pido Jarencio, a champion coach with the Tigers, as well as another former player, Boy Sablan, have been mentioned as possible replacements for the post.

Aric del Rosario, who steered UST to four consecutive UAAP titles from 1994, has declared he would like to coach the Tigers again.